The Columbia Climate School has published a research report that outlines recent extreme weather events in the U.S., such as heat waves, floods, and wildfires, which have put significant stress on existing infrastructure and have led to power outages, infrastructure damage, and increased operational risk. The report also offers recommendations and guidance on creating more climate resilient infrastructure, which can more effectively withstand increasing extreme weather events.
This is not a new phenomenon, as WaterISAC has reported on in previous years, but as climate change increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, the report emphasizes that both retrofitting current infrastructure and designing new projects with future climate impacts in mind are critical. While there have been recent federal investments in infrastructure, the U.S. still lags behind proper resilience, receiving a C+ on its infrastructure report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers. And with costs from flooding estimated to continue growing, adapting critical infrastructure to withstand more extreme weather events has never been more important.
The report further discusses the various strategies for building climate-resilient infrastructure, including improved planning, flexible design, more effective early warning systems, and the use of durable, low-carbon materials. It also highlights the importance of incorporating nature-based solutions, such as green roofs and restored wetlands, which offer both resilience and environmental benefits. The report emphasizes, “Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure pays off. According to the World Bank, each $1 invested in climate resilience will generate a return on investment of $4, by avoiding the need to continually repair and rebuild.”
FEMA encourages this approach, releasing case studies to provide examples of past successes for organizations applying for hazard mitigation grants. Members are encouraged to consider utilizing these grants to ensure their organization’s own infrastructure is climate resilient. Lastly, an open-source tool from Columbia University, the Natural Hazards Index map application, is an interactive map that illustrates the hazard level of 14 different natural hazards across the U.S., including extreme heat, earthquakes, landslides, tornadoes, and floods. It also provides links to valuable information to guide actions that reduce the risk of natural disasters and bolster response plans. Read more at Columbia Climate School.
